Idaho Council Urges Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid for Tribal Members

The council voted to draft a letter calling for exempting Native Americans from Medicaid cuts.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Idaho Council on Indian Affairs voted unanimously to draft a letter urging state lawmakers to protect Medicaid, including Medicaid expansion, and exempt Native American tribal members from any further cuts to the program. The council includes legislators and tribal representatives and advises the state government.

Why it matters

Medicaid is a critical healthcare program for many Native Americans in Idaho, with over 50% of tribal members on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation enrolled. Cuts to Medicaid could have a significant impact on tribal health and access to care.

The details

The council's decision came after a policy analyst for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Michael Steele, asked the council to support the Medicaid program, especially for the state's Native American residents. Steele noted that the federal government reimburses 100% of Medicaid services costs for tribal members, and that Medicaid funding represents 82% of the Tribal Health and Human Services budget.

  • The Idaho Council on Indian Affairs voted on the letter on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Idaho Council on Indian Affairs

A council that includes legislators and Idaho tribal representatives and advises the governor, Legislature and state agencies.

Michael Steele

A policy analyst for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who asked the council to support the Medicaid program for tribal members.

Donna Thompson

A member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who suggested that other tribes identify the percentage of their members who use Medicaid.

Rep. Brandon Mitchell

A Republican state representative from Moscow, Idaho, who noted he'd want to see the letter before putting his name on it.

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What they’re saying

“The past year that I've worked for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, I've seen firsthand the importance of Medicaid. I see individuals on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, just walking past my office. Many of them are vulnerable children, elders or other tribal members that are really suffering … The need is staggering, and Medicaid saves lives.”

— Michael Steele, Policy Analyst, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (idahocapitalsun.com)

What’s next

The council will draft the letter urging state lawmakers to protect Medicaid for tribal members, which will then need to be reviewed by Rep. Brandon Mitchell before being sent.

The takeaway

This decision by the Idaho Council on Indian Affairs highlights the critical role Medicaid plays in providing healthcare access for Native American communities in the state, and the need to ensure tribal members are protected from any potential cuts to the program.